Academics, policymakers and representatives of civil society in developing countries and countries with economies in transition are invited to apply to participate in the first edition of the Virtual Institute online course on structural transformation and industrial policy.

The seven-week course, scheduled November 1 to December 19, is open to candidates involved in research, teaching, policy formulation and implementation, or field work in the area of development.

Applicants must hold a Master's degree in economics, international relations or political science, with coursework in development economics. Excellent knowledge of English, including technical terminology, is also required.

Candidates must complete the online application process, as well as submit a photo, current CV and nomination letter from their institution, by October 22.

Eighty-three academics and government officials from 47 countries successfully completed the third edition of the Virtual Institute online course on Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) and Data Collection, held July 10 to August 27. Developed by the Vi and the Trade Analysis Branch (TAB) of UNCTAD's Division on International Trade in Goods and Services and Commodities, this year's delivery was funded by the Government of Finland.

According to the evaluation questionnaire, all respondents found that the knowledge acquired during the online course enhanced their knowledge of non-tariff measures, and helped them understand the policy issues that their countries face in international trade. They also felt prepared to collect, classify and/or analyze NTMs in their countries.

The Virtual Institute this year partnered with the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) in Geneva to organize study tours for our university members. The Vi will still, however, offer presentations on UNCTAD-specific topics.

"Given that UNIS in Geneva has a lot of experience, as it organizes more than 70 study tours per year, we are delighted that they can do the same with the universities from our network. This will allow the Vi to use its limited resources to strengthen its other activities," said Richard Kozul-Wright, Director of UNCTAD's Division on Globalization and Development Strategies (GDS), home of the Vi.

The third edition of the Virtual Institute online course on Non-Tariff Measures and data collection, scheduled for July 10 to August 27, admitted 117 participants from 57 countries. The 2017 class was selected from a pool of 316 applicants representing academia, government and trade practitioners in 77 countries.

The Virtual Institute organized a national workshop on the econometric analysis of commodity-related policy issues for 33 Burundian researchers, lecturers and students, as well as senior civil servants from a number of government ministries and institutions, June 5-10. The workshop, requested by Vi core member, the University of Burundi, was funded by the United Nations Development Programme.

Janvier Nkurunziza, of UNCTAD's Special Unit on Commodities, delivered the six-day training programme, which began with a discussion on how to design a scientific research document and what it takes to carry out such research in order to improve decision-making in economic policy.